The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) was finally banned from operating in Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has just passed a law severing official ties with and ending UNRWA’s activities in Israel. Voting on Monday (28/10) local time showed 92 of the 120 Knesset members supported the ban and 10 voted against it.
Under the new law, UNRWA, which is headquartered in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, East Jerusalem, will not manage institutions, provide services, or carry out any activities, either directly or indirectly, in Israel’s sovereign territory. The law will take effect in 90 days.
“The Knesset plenary session on Monday evening on second and third reading approved a law to sever official ties with and stop the activities of UNRWA, some of whose operatives are suspected of participating in the massacre on October 7,” wrote the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth.
The law further stipulates that UNRWA activities in East Jerusalem will be stopped and the agency’s authority will be transferred to Israeli responsibility and control.
A separate bill from Knesset members Ron Katz, Yulia Malinovsky and Dan Illouz, also mandates Israel to sever all ties with UNRWA and prohibits any cooperation or privileges the agency previously had.
The new law, approved by lawmakers by a vote of 87-9, repeals the 1967 Agreement that allowed UNRWA to operate in Israel. Not only that, UNRWA officials and staff will also lose the diplomatic status and immunity they have had since 1967.
On July 22, the Knesset passed first reading a bill to ban UNRWA’s operations in Israel and revoke the diplomatic immunity of its staff.
Israel accused UNRWA staff of involvement in a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023 by Hamas. The Israeli government also accuses the institution’s educational programs of promoting terrorism and hatred. However, UNRWA denied these accusations and emphasized that it remained neutral, only focusing on support for refugees. (Ant/P-3)
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**Interview with Dr. Miriam Al-Shafee, Political Analyst and Expert on Middle Eastern Affairs**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Shafee. The recent decision by the Israeli government to ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel has garnered significant attention. Can you provide us with some background on why this decision was made?
**Dr. Al-Shafee:** Certainly. The decision comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Netanyahu government has been critical of UNRWA, claiming it perpetuates the refugee status of Palestinians and, in their view, obstructs the peace process. The recent vote in the Knesset reflects a broader political climate that is increasingly hostile to international organizations perceived to be undermining Israeli sovereignty.
**Editor:** What impact do you foresee this law having on Palestinian refugees and the services they rely on?
**Dr. Al-Shafee:** The ban will have severe repercussions for Palestinian refugees, as UNRWA has been essential in providing education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance. With the cessation of UNRWA operations, many Palestinians in Israel will find themselves without critical support systems, exacerbating the already challenging living conditions for many.
**Editor:** The law is set to take effect in 90 days. How do you think it will affect the relations between Israel and the Palestinian territories in the immediate future?
**Dr. Al-Shafee:** We can expect heightened tensions. This move may provoke strong reactions from Palestinian leadership and the wider international community. It could lead to further unrest in the territories and complicate ongoing humanitarian efforts. The lack of support from an established agency like UNRWA will likely increase the burden on local NGOs and other organizations trying to fill the gap.
**Editor:** what are the broader implications of this legislation for international organizations operating in conflict zones?
**Dr. Al-Shafee:** This decision sets a worrying precedent for international organizations working in conflict zones. It raises concerns about the ability of these organizations to operate autonomously and safely, especially in regions tied to protracted disputes. It sends a message that nations can unilaterally sever ties with agencies that provide critical humanitarian assistance, which could create a ripple effect in other conflict-ridden areas around the globe.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Shafee, for your insights on this critical development. Your expertise sheds valuable light on a complex issue that continues to evolve.
**Dr. Al-Shafee:** Thank you for having me.
